Transport from NJP to Darjeeling/Trekking Darjeeling

Bunnick27 · Oct 23rd, 2006, 05:59

My husband and I are planning our first trip to India in December so had a couple of questions. We are looking at catching a train from Kolkatta to NJP train station which will arrive at NJP at 6pm. Just wondering if we would have to stay the night there or if it would be possible to get transport at that time to Darjeeling?

We would also like to do a short trek on the Singalila Ridge (we only have around 4 days)which we would start around 11 December. Will there be lodges at that time open to stay in? Also if we arrive in Darjeeling the day before would we be able to get a guide/porter to take us the following day or should we organise in advance?

Any help is much appreciated.

robotvoice · Oct 23rd, 2006, 07:35

dont worry, if there is a train coming in to NJP you can count on plenty of jeeps offering there services to darjeeling.
as for the other questions, i am only guessing but you should be able to find a trekking guide for the next day and lodges should be no problem, although december is considered late in the season for trekking by indian standards so it might not hurt to look into this in advance to be on the safe side.

TimMakins · Oct 23rd, 2006, 14:59

Staying overnight is not such a bad idea, actually. Its true that there will definitely be available transport to take you to Darjeeling, but why travel in the dark, and miss all that amazing scenery? Its a great drive to Darjeeling, and assuming that you have come all that way to see the views, and you are not in such a rush, it would be a pity to miss the sights.

Your train is 'supposed' to arrive at 6pm, but it might be an hour or two late. You will arrive at New Jalpaiguri station, but of course you then have to travel the 7km to Siliguri, where the buses and jeeps for Darjeeling all depart from. This takes about 30-40 minutes on a cycle-rickshaw. I suggest that you get off your train and travel to Siliguri, and look for a hotel there. The main street around the bus-stand has a number of hotels, although I have not stayed in any myself, so can make no comment or recommendation about their condition. Looking in the guidebook, though, there seems to be 6 or 7 in the medium-category, and one, 'Sinclairs', in the better category. Next morning, go to the bus stand and choose a jeep or bus to complete your journey. You will stand a better chance of getting a good room in Darjeeling, too, by arriving early. Most rooms there have been taken by lunchtime (though that is not to say there will be 'nothing' else left, so don't worry if you 'have' to arrive late.'

Here is my blog-page for Darjeeling.

Tim in England

safar · Oct 23rd, 2006, 20:29

Hello everyone

New member!

Planning a 7-10 day trekking trip in Darjeeling with the hope of crossing into Sikkim and back. Never been before.
Is end of December a good time?

Any idea of how to DIY it?
Any good down to earth (ecofriendly) trekking companies in UK or locally who may be helpful?

Thanks

Casey · Oct 24th, 2006, 08:06

When we arrived in NJP station there were dozens of jeeps around to drive us straight to Darjeerling. There was no need to travel to Siliguri at that time (March 2006). The only thing I would be concerned about would be travelling up the mountain at night. I am a bit paranoid of night travel up mountains, and it is a beautiful ride.

TimMakins · Oct 24th, 2006, 14:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casey

When we arrived in NJP station there were dozens of jeeps around to drive us straight to Darjeerling. There was no need to travel to Siliguri at that time (March 2006).

Maybe, but no buses are there. If you want to check prices, get the best deals and see all the options, it is necessary to go to Siliguri, which the jeeps pass through anyway.

Tim in England

holiday · Nov 2nd, 2006, 13:22

Hi Bunnick
Many people will come up with many opinions but the best way of travelling is with a professional trek guide if you are looking for a guide you may contact Mr. Subhasish at +91-9832215339 else mail at subho_lawin@rediffmail.com

enjoy your holiday in the unpampered Eastern Himalayas

Holiday

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bunnick27

My husband and I are planning our first trip to India in December so had a couple of questions. We are looking at catching a train from Kolkatta to NJP train station which will arrive at NJP at 6pm. Just wondering if we would have to stay the night there or if it would be possible to get transport at that time to Darjeeling?

We would also like to do a short trek on the Singalila Ridge (we only have around 4 days)which we would start around 11 December. Will there be lodges at that time open to stay in? Also if we arrive in Darjeeling the day before would we be able to get a guide/porter to take us the following day or should we organise in advance?

Any help is much appreciated.

Oct 23rd, 2006, 05:59	#1
Bunnick27 Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: London Posts: 5	Transport from NJP to Darjeeling/Trekking Darjeeling My husband and I are planning our first trip to India in December so had a couple of questions. We are looking at catching a train from Kolkatta to NJP train station which will arrive at NJP at 6pm. Just wondering if we would have to stay the night there or if it would be possible to get transport at that time to Darjeeling? We would also like to do a short trek on the Singalila Ridge (we only have around 4 days)which we would start around 11 December. Will there be lodges at that time open to stay in? Also if we arrive in Darjeeling the day before would we be able to get a guide/porter to take us the following day or should we organise in advance? Any help is much appreciated.

Oct 23rd, 2006, 14:59	#3
TimMakins Surprised and Delighted by Life Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: On the road... Posts: 1,010	Staying overnight is not such a bad idea, actually. Its true that there will definitely be available transport to take you to Darjeeling, but why travel in the dark, and miss all that amazing scenery? Its a great drive to Darjeeling, and assuming that you have come all that way to see the views, and you are not in such a rush, it would be a pity to miss the sights. Your train is 'supposed' to arrive at 6pm, but it might be an hour or two late. You will arrive at New Jalpaiguri station, but of course you then have to travel the 7km to Siliguri, where the buses and jeeps for Darjeeling all depart from. This takes about 30-40 minutes on a cycle-rickshaw. I suggest that you get off your train and travel to Siliguri, and look for a hotel there. The main street around the bus-stand has a number of hotels, although I have not stayed in any myself, so can make no comment or recommendation about their condition. Looking in the guidebook, though, there seems to be 6 or 7 in the medium-category, and one, 'Sinclairs', in the better category. Next morning, go to the bus stand and choose a jeep or bus to complete your journey. You will stand a better chance of getting a good room in Darjeeling, too, by arriving early. Most rooms there have been taken by lunchtime (though that is not to say there will be 'nothing' else left, so don't worry if you 'have' to arrive late.' Here is my blog-page for Darjeeling. Tim in England __________________ Travelling Tim - http://www.mapability.com/blogs/ My images at Lonely Planet - http://tinyurl.com/yk43ams "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain

Oct 23rd, 2006, 20:29	#4
safar Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 1	Trekking in darjeeling Hello everyone New member! Planning a 7-10 day trekking trip in Darjeeling with the hope of crossing into Sikkim and back. Never been before. Is end of December a good time? Any idea of how to DIY it? Any good down to earth (ecofriendly) trekking companies in UK or locally who may be helpful? Thanks __________________ safar

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Oct 23rd, 2006, 07:35	#2
robotvoice mikeaholic Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: california Posts: 1,183	dont worry, if there is a train coming in to NJP you can count on plenty of jeeps offering there services to darjeeling. as for the other questions, i am only guessing but you should be able to find a trekking guide for the next day and lodges should be no problem, although december is considered late in the season for trekking by indian standards so it might not hurt to look into this in advance to be on the safe side.

Oct 24th, 2006, 08:06	#5
Casey Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 707	When we arrived in NJP station there were dozens of jeeps around to drive us straight to Darjeerling. There was no need to travel to Siliguri at that time (March 2006). The only thing I would be concerned about would be travelling up the mountain at night. I am a bit paranoid of night travel up mountains, and it is a beautiful ride.